Program Photos

Gap Year Teaching in Chennai

Location: India: Chennai (Madras)

Program Duration: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad)

Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Dates: Throughout the year

http://www.GapGuru.com

Town Hall Market Place Newbury, RG14 5AA England

Call Us

Phone: +44 1635 45556 / 0800 032 3350

Fax: 01635 45596

Download the Application Form
Description

Based in the suburbs of Chennai this school is dedicated to helping children who ordinarily would have no access to education. They have built a new school building - the largest building in the area - which is a testament to the drive and determination of the founders. Being a Gap Guru volunteer with this school will not only give you a chance to help some of the most marginalized children but also provide excitement and motivation for them to want to come to school!

The project started with teaching 8 children and now caters to 150 children in the age range of 5-10. Some of the children have learning difficulties and would not get the needed help anywhere else as the Indian education system does not provide support in this area. Often they just want to stay here because it is such a different school!

The school has an international approach to teaching and partially follows the British curriculum. Classes are kept small and children from different communities, religions and income groups and even nationalities study together. The school would like volunteers to come into the classroom and assist with learning activities for the children. As the majority here at the school are very young this is mainly primary teaching activity. Your interaction with the children will be geared toward teaching through art, crafts, drama, music, singing etc.

Highlights

On arrival you will be given an induction and will discuss with the teachers what your interests and skills are. If you are particularly artistic you may be asked to develop a lesson plan around learning letters from the alphabet through drawing or painting, likewise if you are the musical varieties, using this skill to improve English through songs or just to have fun!

The children are put in small groups to undertake activities and you could be put in charge of one of these groups. You will build a rapport with the group and be responsible for their learning. There is also a need for more individual attention for some of the children and volunteers certainly have a role to play here in giving one on one support either in reading or maths.

It is important to point out that just by being in the school you will provide an interest for the children who often have many reasons not to attend. By interacting and building up a relationship with the children you really have a chance to motivate them and improve their education.

Although you will be based in a new school building with some resources, the children you will be working with are from very poor, disadvantaged backgrounds. This is an opportunity to gain experience working in an English Medium school where you will see the direct benefit to the children by learning English and having interaction with international volunteers. It will also give you an insight into the challenges that India faces in educating all its children, the lack of a comprehensive education system and the effect it has in holding back development in the country.

Based in Chennai, you will be ideally placed to visit the World Heritage site of Mahabilapuram and the former French colony of Pondicherry. There are also numerous trains that can take you overnight to Kerala, hill stations or Bangalore amongst other places.

Qualifications

Volunteers need no previous qualifications but should have an interest in teaching.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for more information

Cost Include Description:

Cost includes pre-departure guidance and briefing, meet at airport and transfer to accommodation, in-country orientation and welcome pack, twin-share accommodation at local homestay, breakfast and dinner for duration of placement and full in-country support from our local coordinator.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Adult Education
  • Childcare/children
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Counseling
  • Culture
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Housing
  • Minority Groups
  • Orphans
  • Popular Education
  • Population Issues
  • Primary Education
  • Teaching
  • Volunteer Management
  • Volunteering
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
Age Range
18+
This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel to India

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • In-Person Interview when Feasible
  • Letters of Reference
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
  • Phone/Video Interview
Post Services Include
  • Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
GapGuru's Mission Statement

GapGuru is a gap year specialist offering a wide range of exciting volunteer projects, travel programs and gap year internships across Asia, Africa, South America & Europe. We are committed to providing unique programs and unrivaled customer service that helps you to make the most of your gap year abroad.

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